Understanding Water Resistance in Watches: Navigating ATM Rating

Decoding Water Resistance with Ellie Jules

When it comes to choosing a watch, water resistance is more than just a technical detail—it’s about confidence, peace of mind, and matching your lifestyle. At Ellie Jules, we want you to make an informed choice. Here’s your essential guide to understanding ATM (Atmosphere) ratings, so you can find a timepiece that’s ready for wherever life takes you.

What Does ATM Mean?

‘ATM’ stands for Atmospheres, a unit measuring the pressure a watch can withstand. Each rating reflects how well your timepiece stands up to water, from a gentle splash to a deep-sea adventure.

A Quick Guide to ATM Ratings

1 ATM / 10 meters / 33 feet
Splash-Resistant Style
Handles rain, hand-washing, or accidental spills. Not suitable for swimming or submersion.

3 ATM / 30 meters / 100 feet
Everyday Confidence
Ideal for daily wear, this rating means your watch is safe during hand washing or light rain—but not for swimming or showering.

5 ATM / 50 meters / 165 feet
Pool-Ready
Perfect for surface swimming and a casual dip, but not for snorkeling or diving.

10 ATM / 100 meters / 330 feet
Adventure Companion
Made for swimming and snorkeling—these watches are robust enough for most aquatic pursuits, but not for scuba diving.

20 ATM / 200 meters / 660 feet
Water Sport Enthusiast
Suitable for high-impact water sports and recreational diving. Still not intended for professional deep-sea diving.

30 ATM / 300 meters / 990 feet
Diver’s Choice
Engineered for serious divers, ideal for deeper recreational diving—not for saturation diving.

50 ATM / 500 meters / 1650 feet
Professional Grade
Trusted by professional divers, built for rigorous underwater activity and impressive depths.

100 ATM / 1000 meters / 3300 feet
Extreme Depths
Designed for the most challenging underwater explorations and extreme conditions.

A Note on Care

Water resistance can diminish with time, wear, and lack of maintenance. Always check your manufacturer’s guidelines and have your watch serviced regularly to ensure it maintains its rating.

Find Your Perfect Match

Choosing the right ATM rating helps you enjoy your timepiece—whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or exploring the ocean’s depths. Explore the Ellie Jules collection to discover watches that marry style, luxury, and function for every adventure.